Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina's squad for the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying matches due to muscle discomfort, announced the Argentine Football Association. This decision follows Messi's recent performance on March 16, 2025, where he scored during Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Atlanta United, but also experienced discomfort leading to concerns over his fitness.
The 37-year-old icon, who recently returned to action after two weeks on the sidelines due to an adductor muscle issue, will not be part of the matches against Uruguay on March 21, 2025, and Brazil on March 26, 2025. Argentina sits at the top of their qualifying group, currently holding 25 points from 12 matches, leading the way with eight victories, one draw, and three losses. Uruguay, their closest competitor, trails by five points with 20.
Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has made the difficult call to rest his star player amid mounting injury concerns. "It’s the best player in history, there’s nothing to add," said Javier Mascherano, highlighting Messi's significant contributions to both club and country. The decision to exclude Messi is indicative of the caution and strategy employed by the Argentine coaching staff to prioritize his health for future matches.
Complicately, Argentina's roster also faces the absence of another key player, Paulo Dybala of AS Roma, alongside full-back Paulo Montiel of River Plate, both sidelined due to injuries. Compounding the challenge, Brazil is similarly affected, missing star Neymar, who is also nursing a thigh injury.
The upcoming encounters against Uruguay and Brazil are pivotal, not just for team standings, but for maintaining morale and momentum as Argentina seeks to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The stakes are high; the top six teams from the group annual qualifying rounds secure direct qualification, with the seventh placed team entering a playoff.
Argentina's lineup for these games features several players from Ligue 1, including Nicolas Tagliafico, Thiago Almada, Leonardo Balerdi, Geronimo Rulli, and Facundo Medina. These players are expected to step up and fill the gaps left by their more experienced teammates. The team remains confident, with talents such as Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez ready to take on the challenge.
Despite the absence of some prominent figures, Argentina's squad retains considerable depth and skill, aiming to prove they can perform without their talisman. The focus now shifts to how Argentina adapts tactically and emotionally to these significant matches.
Looking across the rivalry, the absence of both Messi and Neymar casts a shadow over the upcoming clash, often regarded as one of South America's most heated and historic matches. The game will likely spotlight younger talents from both sides, like Real Madrid's Endrick stepping up to fill Neymar's shoes.
With the world watching, these matches could influence the narrative of the World Cup qualifiers dramatically. Both teams must navigate through these challenges wisely as they pursue their shared dream of qualifying for the tournament.
Argentina's last outing against Brazil promises to be intense, even without the two football icons at the helm. The matches also serve as tests of skill and strategy, asking whether Argentina's current generation can uphold the high standards set historically by their legends.
Overall, Lionel Messi's absence raises questions about Argentina’s dynamics and strategies. Will they be able to secure necessary points against formidable opponents? Only time will reveal how these developments will impact their World Cup quest and the future sporty legacies of both Argentina and Brazil.
